Question:
Which of the following is not a function of religion?
Which of the following is not a function of religion?
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Structural-Functional View of Religion:
- Durkheim: Fosters social cohesion and collective consciousness.
- Malinowski: Provides psychological security and reduces emotional stress.
- Division and conflict are dysfunctions, not its core anthropological purpose.
- Durkheim: Fosters social cohesion and collective consciousness.
- Malinowski: Provides psychological security and reduces emotional stress.
- Division and conflict are dysfunctions, not its core anthropological purpose.
Updated On: Sep 4, 2026
- Religion has an explanatory function. Religion provides explanation to individual and group life.
- Religion has a divisive function. Religion is to divide communities from each other based on each one's faith.
- Religion has validating functions. It validates peoples' customs, beliefs and values.
- Religion gives psychological comfort.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
Functional theories of religion (advanced by Émile Durkheim, Bronislaw Malinowski, and A.R. Radcliffe-Brown) analyze how religious institutions maintain social cohesion, psychological stability, and moral order.
Anthropological functionalism focuses on positive societal integration and individual emotional equilibrium provided by religious beliefs.
This question asks to identify the statement that is NOT recognized as a core societal function of religion.
Step 1: Analyzing Positive Functions of Religion:
1. Explanatory Cognitive Function (Statement A): Religion answers existential questions regarding origin, meaning of life, suffering, and death.
2. Validating Normative Function (Statement C): Religion sanctifies and validates social values, moral rules, cultural traditions, and legal codes.
3. Psychological Emotional Comfort (Statement D): As highlighted by Malinowski, religious rituals alleviate existential anxiety, reduce fear in crisis situations, and provide emotional solace during bereavement.
Step 2: Evaluating the Divisive Statement:
While sectarian conflict may occur as a historical byproduct (dysfunction), the primary anthropological and structural-functional purpose of religion is social solidarity and integration (as emphasized by Durkheim), not to systematically divide communities.
Therefore, defining the function of religion as "to divide communities from each other" is conceptually incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The divisive statement in Option (B) is not an inherent function of religion.
Hence, Option (B) is the correct answer.
Functional theories of religion (advanced by Émile Durkheim, Bronislaw Malinowski, and A.R. Radcliffe-Brown) analyze how religious institutions maintain social cohesion, psychological stability, and moral order.
Anthropological functionalism focuses on positive societal integration and individual emotional equilibrium provided by religious beliefs.
This question asks to identify the statement that is NOT recognized as a core societal function of religion.
Step 1: Analyzing Positive Functions of Religion:
1. Explanatory Cognitive Function (Statement A): Religion answers existential questions regarding origin, meaning of life, suffering, and death.
2. Validating Normative Function (Statement C): Religion sanctifies and validates social values, moral rules, cultural traditions, and legal codes.
3. Psychological Emotional Comfort (Statement D): As highlighted by Malinowski, religious rituals alleviate existential anxiety, reduce fear in crisis situations, and provide emotional solace during bereavement.
Step 2: Evaluating the Divisive Statement:
While sectarian conflict may occur as a historical byproduct (dysfunction), the primary anthropological and structural-functional purpose of religion is social solidarity and integration (as emphasized by Durkheim), not to systematically divide communities.
Therefore, defining the function of religion as "to divide communities from each other" is conceptually incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The divisive statement in Option (B) is not an inherent function of religion.
Hence, Option (B) is the correct answer.
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